Meaning of "jackanapes" in English

The word "jackanapes" is an old-fashioned term used to describe someone who is conceited, impudent, or mischievous, often in a playful manner. It can refer to a person who is self-important in a humorous way, as well as a naughty or cheeky child. Historically, the term was associated with a monkey because of the tendency for these animals to engage in antics and mischief. Although not commonly used in modern language, it retains a whimsical and quaint connotation when invoked today.

Meaning of "jackanapes" in French

"Jackanapes" in French similarly retains its meaning as someone who is impudent or mischievous. The term captures the idea of a cheeky, overconfident person, often acting in a manner that is both annoying and endearing. While it is a loanword from English, it carries over the playful notion often akin to the playful troublemaking associated with monkeys. Like in English, "jackanapes" is not a frequently used term in contemporary French language, but it is recognized for its historical and humorous implications.

Pronunciation of "jackanapes" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈdʒæk.əˌneɪps/

Pronunciation Variations: The pronunciation of "jackanapes" may vary slightly between British and American English, particularly in the accentuation of the second syllable, but the differences are subtle. Some regional dialects might also soften the 'j' sound or elongate the 'a'.

Pronunciation of "jackanapes" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ʒaka.nap/

Pronunciation Variations: In French, the pronunciation might vary marginally depending on the speaker's region, with slight differences in the nasal quality of the vowels and emphasis placed on different syllables.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The young lad was often called a jackanapes for his endless pranks. (Le jeune garçon était souvent appelé un petit maraud pour ses farces incessantes.)

  2. Everyone laughed at the antics of the little jackanapes in the room. (Tout le monde riait des singeries du petit garnement dans la salle.)

  3. Despite his reputation as a jackanapes, he was endearingly charming. (Malgré sa réputation de coquin, il était d'une allure charmante.)

  4. Her brother was a jackanapes who loved to play tricks on people. (Son frère était un petit polisson qui adorait jouer des tours aux gens.)

  5. The mischievous jackanapes hid the teacher's chalk before class. (La petite fripouille espiègle a caché la craie de l'enseignant avant le cours.)

  6. When he's being a jackanapes, it's hard not to laugh at his antics. (Quand il se comporte en canaille, il est difficile de ne pas rire de ses singeries.)

  7. The group of friends called him a jackanapes for his joking manner. (Le groupe d'amis l'a appelé guignol pour son comportement farceur.)

  8. His jackanapes behavior was both infuriating and amusing. (Son comportement de petit vaurien était à la fois agaçant et amusant.)

  9. The little girl was a jackanapes, always up to mischief. (La petite fille était une drôlesse, toujours prête à faire des bêtises.)

  10. Even as a jackanapes, he won everyone over with his smile. (Même en tant que polichinelle, il a conquis tout le monde avec son sourire.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "jackanapes" in English

Synonyms: imp, rascal, scamp, rogue, prankster, scallywag, monkey, sprite, mischief-maker, rogue.

Antonyms: gentleman, lady, hero, role model, upstanding citizen, paragon, saint, serious person, conformist, model student.

Similar Words: brat, clown, buffoon, wag, cut-up, scallywag, clown, curmudgeon, jester, minx.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "jackanapes" in French

Synonyms: polisson, fripon, canaille, coquin, garnement, traînard, vaurien, coquin.

Antonyms: gentleman, dame, héros, modèle, citoyen exemplaire, parangon, saint.

Similar Words: guignol, polichinelle, acrobate, clown, maraud, plaisantin.

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